– Rain Confirmed at Time of Desert Helicopter Crash
– Desert Helicopter Crash That Killed Six.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
On Sunday, federal investigators commenced their full-day operation in the desert, 75 miles northeast of Barstow, to collect wreckage from a Burbank-based helicopter crash that claimed the lives of six individuals. Among the victims were an executive of a Nigerian bank, his wife and son, as well as the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group.
According to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Member Michael Graham, all major components of the Airbus Eurocopter EC130 helicopter, including the three main rotor blades, main transmission, tail rotor, landing gear skids, and various avionics components, were recovered at the crash site on Sunday. Graham provided this information to reporters during a press conference.
Flight-tracking data from the NTSB indicated that the helicopter was flying along I-15 at an altitude of 1000 to 1500 feet above ground level. Towards the end of its journey, the helicopter made a slight right turn, veering south of the interstate. It then began a gradual descent with an increasing ground speed before the flight data ended approximately a quarter-mile from the crash site. Graham stated, “The wreckage site shows the helicopter impacted the terrain in a nose-low, right-bank angle.”
Michael Graham further mentioned that the wreckage would be transported to a secure location on Tuesday for further examination. NTSB meteorologists supported witness accounts that reported rain and wintery mist in the area at the time of the crash.
The crash occurred at around 10:08 p.m. on Friday, approximately a quarter-mile east of Interstate 15 near Halloran Springs Road. Both the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and Michael Graham confirmed this information.
Prior to the crash, the Airbus Eurocopter EC130 had taken off from Palm Springs at 8:45 p.m. and was en route to Boulder City, Nevada. The helicopter, manufactured in France, was chartered from Orbit Air, LLC in Burbank.
Graham stated, “This marks the beginning of a lengthy process,” referring to the federal investigation. Investigators initiated their work at the crash site, where they collected perishable evidence. The investigation is expected to span between 12 and 24 months before completion.
The passengers on board the ill-fated helicopter have been identified as Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, a 57-year-old Group CEO of Nigeria-based Access Bank, along with his wife and son. Abimbola Ogunbanjoa, a former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group, was also among the victims. The identities of the pilot and co-pilot have yet to be disclosed.
The NTSB intends to investigate media reports suggesting the presence of downed power lines in the crash area. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing fire following the crash.
Various individuals and organizations expressed their condolences for the victims. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization, tweeted, “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.” She extended her sympathies to the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Group employees, and management.
Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, expressed shock and devastation at the news of Dr. Herbert Wigwe’s passing. He remarked, “We also unfortunately lost Wigwe’s wife and son, as well as the former group chairman of Nigeria Stock Exchange, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in the crash.” Obaseki described Wigwe as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s financial sector, leading Access Bank to become an internationally recognized brand. He offered prayers for comfort during this challenging time.
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1. Rain Confirmed at Time of Desert Helicopter Crash That Killed Six
2. Desert Helicopter Crash That Killed Six.
